Buying a backpack

So you’ve decided that you like backpacking enough to go out and purchase a backpack of your own. Or you need to purchase backpacks for the Pathfinders in your club to borrow. How do you know what to buy? Reputable outfitters can be a great help in helping you choose and fit a backpack. But it helps for you to do your homework before you go to the store so that you can know what questions to ask.

If you’ve ever been with a group of backpackers and they get started talking about what type of backpack to buy the subject of internal-frame vs. external-frame always comes up. And you will find that whichever pack people use they are fiercely loyal.

Whichever pack you choose, a good pack doesn’t rub or hurt or drag. A good pack is sturdy. It can rub against trees and rocks without tearing, bounce against rocks, and be pressed into service as a makeshift chair. A good pack feels as if you’re wearing it, not carrying it. A good pack can multiply your enjoyment of a trip.

Both internal and external-frame packs now come in a variety of sizes. Many brands even have styles designed for women and juniors. Make sure you don’t buy a bigger pack than what you will need. You want a pack that carries what you need – and not much more. We have a tendency to fill all of the space that we have and that could make the pack too heavy to carry. To get the most out of your pack, you need to make sure it fits perfectly and you need to know what all of those straps and buckles and adjustments are for.

Check out the number of compartments and side pouches. A single-compartment top-loading bag may be the one you like, but if it doesn’t have a back-loading zipper panel as well, every time you want something stashed sown at the bottom, you’ll be pulling everything out. If you plan to live out of your pack, you’ll appreciate multiple storage compartments.

Here are some tips to help you adjust your pack to fit you:

Before you put on your pack, make sure all straps are loosened.

The hip belt should be just above your hipbones. Tighten the hip belt first.

Next, tighten the hip-belt stabilizer straps.

Now tighten the shoulder straps so that they are snug but not constricting.

Pull the load-adjuster straps tight: This transfers weight to your hips, which is where it should be.

Finally clasp and tighten the sternum strap. This can be minutely adjusted to relieve pressure on your shoulders.

External-Frame Packs – consist of a rigid frame made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, from which the bag is suspended. Sleeping bags are strapped to the frame. It offers good ventilation against your back, heavy load-hauling capacity, and savings – half the cost of internal-frame cousins. However a high center of gravity makes it a poor choice for tough terrain.

Advantages - Many hikers find external frames cooler in hot weather because the frame holds the pack away from your body and allows moisture to evaporate. This is definitely something to think about if you plan to hike a lot in hot or humid weather. External-frame packs put the weight over your hips and let the load sway slightly as you walk. Externals tend to weigh less than internal-frame models. Finally, external frames fit some people better than internal-frame models – and that’s what it comes down to.

Another advantage is the convenience of being able to unzip the main compartment and get at any piece of gear at any time.

Disadvantages - But if you try to climb or ski with such a rigging, you’ll be thrown off balance. Look up as you climb? Your head hits the back of the pack.

If most of your backpacking is on developed trails and you carry gear for four or more days of travel, an External-frame backpack will best fit your needs. It places most of the load over your natural center of gravity, allowing you to walk normally and conserve energy while carrying even the heaviest loads.

Internal-Frame Pack – employ a semi-rigid support system. All gear, including a sleeping bag, is stowed inside the pack. It carries weight low and close to your body, making it more stable than the external-frame pack for climbing or rock scrambling. Its low profile also provides better clearance. For off-trail they are less likely to catch on brush and branches. All gear is stowed snugly inside the pack. You can turn around and maneuver without loosing balance. Many find its weight distribution more comfortable.

One disadvantage is that they are sweatier against your back. Another is that hiking long distances with heavy loads in an internal-frame pack will be hard on your back.

If most of your pack use is on difficult terrain, or for activities that require unrestricted arm movement, an Internal-frame is a good choice. These packs ride close to your back for better balance on difficult terrain. And with no exposed frame parts, they're easier to store in canoes, airplanes or buses.

OK, now where can you look to check out backpacks? Start with any local outfitters in your area. Also check out the Internet. Below is a list of manufacturers and outfitters.